The publication, in 2008, of Dr Diarmuid Ó’Mathúna’s book Integrable Systems in Celestial Mechanics was a very significant event in the long history of Celestial Mechanics. In this book Ó’Mathúna provides formulas for the bound orbits of a light particle moving in the gravitational field of two fixed massive particles, a problem that had remained unsolved for two hundred and fifty years since it was first proposed by Euler about 1760. Ó’Mathúna’s work has an important practical application. We show that the Ó’Mathúna orbits provide very severe tests of the accuracy of the simulation algorithms commonly used in the gravitational many-body problem. We also describe a new class of efficient simulation algorithms specifically tailored for use in gravitational many-body simulations.

The aim of this research was synthetizing a modified molecule of a chemical compound naturally occurring in living organisms – a trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap analogue. Thanks to complicated interactions with different factors, this compound enables various molecules; to which therapeutics belong, to enter the nucleus of the cell. This is where the scientists’ hopes for new treatments for genetic diseases lay. Using TMG cap analogues, it is already possible to treat i.e. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a fatal, sex-linked, genetic disease. The therapy has, however, many imperfections. Modification introduced to the structure of the molecule in this research is believed to help eliminate them. It can thus be described as the announcement of the only and the most promising chance for patients with various genetically inherited diseases.

Country

Austria

Contestant

Philip Huprich (19), Manuel Scheipner (19), Daniel Zindl (19)

Scientific Field

Engineering

Project Title

Cam Guard

Short Summary

Clean, clear images. The special challenge of this project consists of designing a completely new concept of a blow ­off device for the protection of cameras working with compressed air. We had to analyse the existing blow ­off system, study the aerodynamic fundamentals, design a prototype and inspect its flow characteristics with the support of a simulation programme. The next step was to build a functional model and test it under real conditions in its future operation area. In the course of time, we found that one system would be able to meet our high expectations. We improved this concept and were even able to partially manufacture it in the school’s workshop. Furthermore we had to design a system which connects our device to the existing camera case. We had to beware of the extreme precise camera optics and the high temperatures and therefore involved thermal expansions. Because of the fact that our prototype exceeded all our expectations in several tests, we wanted to prove its full functionality at the grounds of the voestalpine. Therefore we tested our system two months under real environmental influences. We used the knowledge we got out of the feedback to improve our construction to design a profitable device. The organisational effort should not be left out of sight because as students we had to get know­how of lots of for us new matter.

SECOND PRIZES (€ 5.000 per project)

Country

Switzerland

Contestant

Nevzet Khasanov (20)

Scientific Field

Physics

Project Title

Diffusion cloud chamber: the visible radioactivity

Short Summary

The present work describes the assembly as well as the experiments conducted by means of air-cooled cloud chamber with peltier elements. The main goal is to visualize the invisible radioactivity as well as to demonstrate this phenomenon to general public. The experimental part includes such experiments as observation of the natural radioactivity (α, β, μ, no source), analysis of the types of charged particles, observation of collisions of charged particles (changing the orbit; "secondary ionization" - δ-electrons), observation of the radioactive decay of different sources (U238, Rn220, Am 241, Sr90), deflection of the β -particles in the magnetic field and determination of their charge, calculation of their speed and energy, calculation of the half-life time of Rn220 (Calculated: t1/2 = 58 sec.; literature: t1/2 Literature value = 58 sec.), observation and the analysis of the “Compton scattering” and observation of the cosmic rays in the higher altitudes (Swiss alps).

Country

Germany

Contestant

Jan Michael Rapp (20) & Timo Schmetzer (18)

Scientific Field

Computing

Project Title

Information technology for a feedback control

Short Summary

Car engines, printers and hard drives: all three involve electronic control systems that, for example, control injection nozzles, paper feeders and reading heads. Jan Rapp and Timo Schmetzer have built a similar electronic control system consisting of a plate that is able to be tilted by motors and computer-controlled so that a ball can be balanced on it. The secret is a 3D camera that monitors how the ball rolls. The two have written a software program to analyse the camera images and control the motors to keep the ball from rolling off the plate. The software system has been designed to be flexible, so that it can be used not only for balancing acts but for other control tasks as well.

Country

Denmark

Contestant

Asbjørn Christian Nordentoft (19)

Scientific Field

Mathematics

Project Title

Applications of Dirichlet series

Short Summary

In my project I compare the analytic and elementary approach to number theoretical problems. It is fascinating that a number theoretical theorem can be proven using both elementary and analytic methods, because number theory and analysis on the surface are two very different branches of mathematics. In the paper I give both elementary and analytic proofs to three number theoretical theorems and compare the different proofs from both a mathematical and intuitive point of view. I also give my own elegant proof of a theorem concerning residues and prime numbers which usually is proved using classical number theory.

THIRD PRIZES (€ 3.500 per Project)

Country

Estonia

Contestant

Anna Maria Punab (20)

Scientific Field

Social Sciences

Project Title

The relationships between academic achievements and happiness among students in secondary education

Short Summary

The aim of the study was to explore the relationships between subjective well-being (happiness), autonomy, social support and school grades among late adolescents. For this purpose a survey was carried out among 211 11th year students. It revealed that neither the average grade, which was based on students’ self-reported grades in Mathematics, native language, History and the first foreign language, nor the average grade in the three most important subjects for the student were in correlation by either happiness or satisfaction with life. However students who had more supporting figures on their lives were happier and received better grades. Interestingly, the support from peers was more strongly associated with the average grade whereas support from parents correlated with the average grade in three most important subjects for the student. Autonomy on the other hand was only related to the grade in the first foreign language.

Country

Poland

Contestant

Anna Julia Kuśnierczak (18)

Scientific Field

Biology

Project Title

Alternative pollination: influence of different ecosystems on the reproduction of red mason bee (Osmia rufa L.) on the example of a meadow, an orchard, a forest and an arboretum

Short Summary

Due to the decreasing number of honeybees, the role of alternative pollinators becomes increasingly important. Red mason bee (Osmia rufa L.) is a solitary bee which was shown to be a successful pollinator. Therefore, the aim of my study was to search for the best environment that provides the most intense reproduction of red mason bee. Four ecosystems: the meadow, the forest, the orchard and the arboretum were tested. A total of 3600 red mason bee cocoons were placed near 48 artificial nests made of reed tubes. Weekly observations were then carried out. The meadow turned out to be the most favourable environment, as the increase of the population size was almost 4 times higher in the next generation. The second favourable location was the orchard. Lower increase of the population size was observed in the forest and surprisingly, the lowest in arboretum.

Country

Belarus

Contestant

Pavel Litvinka (17)

Scientific Field

Computing

Project Title

Development of hardware and software complex for the formation of three-dimensional image

Short Summary

The hardware and software complex "IMPOSSIBLE Box" is based on the original, developed by the author, technique that allows you to get a three-dimensional image from a flat drawing by adding special markers. It does not require the use of additional species. The technique combines the processes of drawing and modelling, which allows to fully automating the process of constructing the facility. Bright presentation of information, opportunities embodiment of spatial forms, make the developed complex demand for all types of design, advertising, training, film making industry, simulation.